Setback for Google

Author: Select Contracts Date: 26-08-2014

Google has recieved a serious setback with it's driverless cars project. California's Dept. of Motor Vehicles has ruled that drivers need to be able to take ''immeadiate physical control" of the car if needed, meaning that Google are required to introduce steering wheels and pedals to the cars. It's a massive blow to Google, who previewed autonomous cars at the beginning of 2014 with no manual controls, but will now legally have to include pedals and steering due to new legislation taking effect in September 2016.

WSJsuggests that Google will adhere to these regulations, however, it is expected to have a significant impact on the original design and Google's small-car blueprints will be severely effected by the insertion of a steering column and pedal box. Google will begin testing in September, and they will move to public roads in 2016. The internet giant shows no signs of wavering in it's support of driverless vehicles, and perhaps that's admirable, but only time will tell whether it has been blind faith or an inspired decision to continue such strong support. Watch this space...

The driverless car phenomenon has certainly gathered pace in recent months, but what do the next five years have in store, and what can we expect?

DRIVERLESS CARS TIMELINE:

·2014: Volvo announce 'Adaptive Cruise Control with steer assist. Mercedes already has the car on some markets.

·2015: Audi plans to put autonomous cars with ability to steer, accelerate and brake at lower speeds on the market

·2016: Mobile free to release hands-free driving technology.

·2017: Tesla plans 'autopilot' features that will handle 90% of mileage.

·2017-2020: Google hopes majority of self-driving cars will be available to the public

·2018: Nissan plans cars that will have a feature to manoeuvre between multiple lanes of traffic

While the electrification of transport is coming, there are many people who are still unlikely to even consider an electric car for their next vehicle. Often due to preconceptions about electric vehicles that simply arenít true. Uncovered by our recent independent national research study, we that found that a significant three out of five UK residents (60%) were unlikely to consider an electric vehicle for their next car.

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Select Car Leasing is a trading style of Select Contracts (UK) Limited and the firm is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority FRN 670832. Select Car Leasing are a credit broker and not a lender. VAT Registration No 181 874674. ICO Registration ZA076253. Company Number 06569098. Select Car Leasing are proud to be a member of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), No 1846. Registered address: Atlantic House, Imperial Way, Reading, Berkshire, RG2 0TD